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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-19 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL June 19, 2014 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, June 19, 2014 commencing at 10:41 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Phillipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of engineering Services «-� P. Elliott, Administrative Assistant Planning OTHERS IN R. Brown, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle S. McCormack, Brooks Public Library 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:41 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (June 5, 2014) C-208114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the June 5, 2014 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. Regular Council June 19,2014 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-209/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Subdivision Extension Request - 2013-0-054 (SW 28-19-14-W4) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-210/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the request for a time extension to subdivision application 2013-0-054 be APPROVED for one year to June 19, 2015. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Tender Award -Tilley Infrastructure Improvements The Manager of Engineering Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor B. de Jong asked about the local improvement costs. The Manager of Engineering Services outlined the local improvement costs, indicating that information had been distributed to the residents. The Manager of Engineering Services responded to further questions from Council. C-211/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the Tilley Infrastructure Upgrades project tender to Brooks Asphalt &Aggregate Ltd. for the tendered price of$4,971,047.00 with additional costs in engineering up to $560,000.00. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 10:55 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.8 Overpass Speed Limit Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided background information on this item. A discussion occurred at a recent meeting of the Safe Communities Committee regarding writing a letter to Alberta Transportation requesting the installation of a crosswalk across Highway 873 between the McDonald's restaurant and the hotels on the other side of the street. Discussion followed regarding the speed limit changes on that road coming into Brooks. Councillor A.M. Philipsen responded to questions from Council. The Director of Municipal Services asked if the sidewalks were going to be extended and indicated that he would investigate a possible previous request to install traffic control lanes or lights. A 149 Page 2 of 10 Regular Council June 19,2014 Ow, crosswalk is present at the lights one block south. Discussion continued regarding moving the start of the 50km/h zone closer to Franklin Tire. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that she would communicate Council's comments to the Safe Communities Committee. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 11:10 a.m. 9.2 Safety Code Services Agreement Renewal The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He responded to questions regarding the process, indicating that the contract was awarded to Park Enterprises three years ago after a request for proposals was advertised. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that other companies have had contract extensions where the contract has been working very well and he stressed the importance of reliable and timely inspections. Discussion followed and it was suggested that subsequent reviews of the Safety Code Services Agreement be conducted earlier in case a longer process is required. C-212/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Administration renew the Safety Code Services Agreement with Park Enterprises Ltd. to provide plans review and inspection services under the Alberta Safety Codes Act. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Appointment to Vulcan IMDP Committee The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-213/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Councillor W. Hammergren and Councillor A.M. Philipsen be appointed as the representatives for the County of Newell to the Vulcan County Inter Municipal Development Plan Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Funding Request -Village of Rosemary Fire Department The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor E. Unruh indicated that the concern for the Rosemary Fire Department and the Village of Rosemary is that there is a perception that all Fire Departments will be set up with the same equipment and lose the autonomy to make decisions on the type of equipment required and have limited control over their Departments capital and operating budgets. Councillor W. Hammergren asked why a Tender Truck was being requested by the Village of Rosemary when the Rosemary Fire Department was requesting a Bush Buggy. The Director of Corporate Services responded, indicating that initially plans had been in place to replace the bush buggy with an updated unit, but recent fires attended by the Rosemary Department have confirmed the need for a Tender Truck. In the past, discussions had been held and a list of the fire apparatus equipment currently in use in each of the Fire Page 3 of 10 Regular Council June 19,2014 Departments had been compiled. In order to keep equipment current, a plan and equipment replacement schedule should be established. The Village of Rosemary correspondence expressed interest in utilizing a capital and operating budget for the Fire Department in the future. The Director of Corporate Services suggested it would be helpful for the County and Village Administration and the members of the Rosemary/Div. 7 Fire Committee to meet and further discuss the issues raised. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council. C-214/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Council responds to the Village of Rosemary expressing support in principle to proceed with the changes requested and suggesting that the details be worked out by the respective administrations in consultation with the Joint Fire Committee. MOTION CARRIED C-215/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move into Public Hearings at 11:43 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 Bylaw 1800-14 Road Closure and SALE (NW 6-18-14-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:43 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING K. Stephenson • - left the meeting 11:44 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Director of Corporate Services stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1800-14. The intent of this bylaw is to close and SELL a portion of the road that is encompassed by Road Plan 141 1409 in NW 6-18-14-W4. The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as a list of affected agencies. Since the proposed development on the adjacent land includes an internal access road that will be constructed by the developer, the width for the road which is the subject of the bylaw can be reduced. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. \‘P\14.) Page 4 of 10 Regular Council June 19,2014 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong asked if the remaining access would be sufficient to gain access to the public utility lot, which is the only parcel that will be serviced by the road in question. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 11:47 a.m. The Director of Municipal Services provided background information, indicating that the closed portion of road would be amalgamated back into the original parcel. The Director of Corporate Services distributed a plan showing both the original access and the new access. C-216/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:52 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1800-14 Road Closure & SALE (NW 6-18-14-W4) The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-217/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1800-14, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and SELLING that portion of road that is part of Road Plan 141 1409 in NW 6-18-14-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.5 Newell Foundation - Five-Year Business Plan The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Stephenson returned at 11:54 a.m. C-218/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that a letter be written in support of the Newell Foundation's Five Year Business Plan and the proposal to construct the Bassano Continuing Care Center. MOTION CARRIED 9.6 Newsletter Format Change The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the costs and whether a budget adjustment would be required. The Director of Corporate Services explained the cost estimates. Councillor C. Amulung suggested a monthly electronic newsletter. The Director of Corporate Services Page 5of10 4 Regular Council June 19,2014 replied that there may be limited distribution with an electronic newsletter. In CIO addition, the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), which comes into effect July 1, 2014, will apply rules to electronic mail outs. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the ultimate goal will be training individuals to go to the County's web site for more information. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:05 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. McCormack arrived at 1:00 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Brooks Public Library (S. McCormack - 1:00 p.m.) S. McCormack provided an overview of the events and programs held at the Brooks Public Library over the past few years and distributed the monthly program for June. She explained the rebranding of the library. Spaces have been updated and library cards are now $10.00 per year for adults and free for children. S. McCormack indicated that the ultimate goal is to have free library cards for everyone and to begin lending other media, such as video games, tablets, and e-readers. She explained the "little libraries" program, which involves boxes built by the local Scouting groups and placed in the CD communities. Books are placed in these boxes by individuals and are available for everyone to read. S. McCormack noted that the Brooks Public Library is using a new classification system, having gotten rid of the Dewey Decimal System. She provided information regarding hours of operation and funding received. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. McCormack responded to questions regarding the garden and the shop classes. Councillor E. Unruh asked about the teen evenings and S. McCormack gave an overview of the attendance and recent events. S. McCormack responded to further questions from Council. Council thanked S. McCormack for the excellent work she has carried out in promoting library services. LEFT THE MEETING S. McCormack left the meeting at 1:34 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.6 Newsletter Format Change Discussion continued regarding the format of the newsletter. A4V L. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council June 19,2014 C C-219/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that a single-page weekly newsletter be published in the Brooks & County Chronicle for a trial period of two months. MOTION CARRIED This item will be placed on a future Council agenda for further discussion. 9.7 Appointment of Assessor The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-220/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we appoint Kevin Halsted as Assessor for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 284 of the Municipal Government Act. MOTION CARRIED 9.9 Councillor Payment Sheets (May 2014) Discussion followed regarding Council's attendance at the Annual Corporate Safety Training Day on May 30, 2014 and the Annual General Meeting. Councillor C. Amulung reminded Council to submit their information on time so that the Councillor Payment Sheets can be approved during the second Council meeting of every month. C-221/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the May 2014 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.10 Cheques for Payment The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-222/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that cheque 178441 in the amount of $763,361.82, cheque 178442 in the amount of$1,058,829.00, and cheque 178443 in the amount of$787,427.17 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 9.11 Payment Register C-223/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Airport Commission Councillor L. Juss provided an update on the fuel tanks, the tender for the terminal upgrades, and the installation of the water line. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council June 19,2014 11.2 Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority 0 Councillor L. Juss requested feedback on the landfill tour given to Councillors on June 5, 2014. Councillor E. Unruh indicated that the tour was interesting and very well run. Discussion followed regarding the hours of operation of the transfer stations. Councillor W. Hammergren indicated that community garbage pickup had been discussed during the tour, as some communities do not permit burning. Councillor L. Juss replied that cost estimates must be prepared to determine feasibility. 11.3 Recreation Board - Divisions 5 & 10 Councillor T. Fyfe reported that the ball diamonds are nearly completed and tournaments have been scheduled for July. The grand opening will be held on August 1, 2014 and they would like to have a dignitary from the County of Newell in attendance. 11.4 Newell Foundation Councillor G. Simpson reported that the group had met with Alberta Health Services. Approximately half of the residents are subscribers and Alberta Health Services has indicated that home services will no longer be provided to non- subscribers. The alternative would be to hire more staff to respond to service calls, or the calls will have to go to 9-1-1. The financing committee has come up with a five year plan. Councillor G. Simpson responded to questions from Council. Reeve M. Douglass explained that the seniors lodges are meant to be independent living facilities; however some residents require home care support. She indicated that more information would be available after the next meeting. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information from his meeting with the Associate Deputy Minister of Health, indicating that the Bassano Hospital is currently on the Province of Alberta five year replacement plan. 11.5 Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor B. de Jong reported that the Annual General Meeting will be held on September 18, 2014. 11.6 Medicine Hat College Board Meeting Councillor B. de Jong reported that he attended the Medicine Hat College Board of Governors meeting on June 17, 2014. The new president, Dr. Denise Henning, was introduced and she will be touring all the communities in the area. 11.7 Cenovus Safety Awards Councillor B. de Jong reported that he attended the Cenovus Safety Awards on June 18, 2014. 11.8 Duchess Days Councillor B. de Jong reported that Duchess will be hosting Duchess Days on July 5, 2014. Page 8 of 10 4 Regular Council June 19,2014 11.9 Oldman River Regional Services Commission Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided an update on ORRSC and responded to questions from Council. 11.10 Red Deer River Watershed Alliance/Red Deer River Municipal Users Group Councillor W. Hammergren reported that he attended a conference on June 13, 2014. One of the speakers explained the climate change and the resulting cycles of flood and drought. Councillor W. Hammergren indicated that he would be attending the Annual General Meeting of the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance. 11.11 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference Councillor W. Hammergren reported on his attendance at the FCM 2014 Conference in Niagara Falls, ON. 11.12 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman indicated that she attended a board meeting yesterday where the RISE program was discussed. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 2:15 p.m. Councillor K. Christman also reported that discussion occurred regarding the preparation of a resolution on increased funding to be submitted to the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association. 11.13 IMDP Committee (Bassano) Councillor K. Christman provided an update, indicating that two meetings have been held so far and progress is being made. 11.14 Mayors & Reeves Association Reeve M. Douglass reported on her attendance at the meeting of the Mayors & Reeves Association of Southwest Alberta, where Premier D. Hancock was present to respond to questions. A meeting of the Mayors & Reeves Association of Southeast Alberta was held June 13, 2013 in Empress, AB with representation from ten communities in attendance. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the Building Canada Fund is a topic that comes up regularly and she provided reasons for the delayed release of funds in Alberta. 11.15 Joint Services/IMDP Committee Reeve M. Douglass provided a report from the Joint Services Committee, which included discussion on Ecobrooks, concerns with highway signs, removal of the Communities in Bloom sign, planned repairs to the Crowfoot Ferry, and emphasizing use of Highway 36. Page 9of10 Regular Council June 19,2014 11.16 Veteran's Memorial Highway Development Safety Association Reeve M. Douglass reported that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, June 27, 2014. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report(May 2014) This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he would be attending the Canada Day Celebration at the Brooks & District Museum on July 1, 2014. Reeve M. Douglass noted that two Council representatives are required for the Brooks & District Seniors OutReach event on Monday, June 23, 2014. 15. IN CAMERA C-224/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move in camera at 2:37 p.m. to discuss two legal issues. MOTION CARRIED C-225/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move out of camera at 3:15 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Signed this 1Q day of 2014 Reeve vt Co W ministrator Page 10 of 10